Women’s Eye Health

Women’s Eye Health

Mother’s Day is Sunday May 12th what better time to talk to those special ladies out there. Women’s eye health deserves special attention—for lots of reasons.

• Two-thirds of all blindness and visual impairment occurs in women.
• Loss of vision is a quality-of-life issue, affecting one’s ability to live independently, contribute to society, and experience life to its
• Women typically live longer, putting them at higher risk for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and cataracts.
• They are also more likely to suffer from autoimmune conditions, which often come with visual side effects.
• Normal age-related hormonal changes may also affect their eyes. Dry eye, for example, is more common in women, in part due to hormonal changes that come with aging.
• Women are more likely to forego regular exams to manage family concerns or take care of others instead of themselves.

Prevent Blindness recommends women:

• Quitting smoking
• Taking supplements (as approved by a medical professional)
• Learning of any family history of eye disease
• Expectant mothers should be aware of possible vision changes during pregnancy
• All women who are pregnant or who are planning to become pregnant and have been diagnosed with diabetes should get a full, dilated eye exam.
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a brimmed hat outdoors
• Use cosmetics safely
• Use contact lenses safely
• Schedule regular dilated eye exams.

Up to 80 percent of blindness and visual impairment are preventable or treatable; therefore, prevention through education is one key to saving sight.